What You Need to Do

To change your name on your Social Security record, you file Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) with the Social Security Administration. You must submit the form in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or through an approved third party — you cannot do it online. The SSA will not change your name on their records without legal proof that your name has changed, such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

The process takes roughly two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your complete process. You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail once the change is approved. Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name associated with it changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring legal proof of your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other government-issued document showing the new name.
  • Form SS-5 must be submitted in person, by mail, or through an approved representative; the SSA does not process name changes online.
  • You will need to show a photo ID and proof of citizenship or lawful residency along with your name-change document.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks, and your new Social Security card will arrive by mail at the address you provide.

Documents You Must Bring

The SSA requires three categories of documents: proof of your name change, proof of citizenship or lawful residency, and a photo ID. For proof of name change, bring an original or certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document showing your new name. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

For proof of citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, visa, or employment authorization document. For photo ID, bring your driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

If you do not have all three categories of documents, the SSA will tell you what alternatives they will accept. Some documents — like a birth certificate — may serve double duty as both citizenship proof and identity proof.

Where and How to Submit Your process

You can submit Form SS-5 in three ways: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail to the address listed on the form, or through an approved third party such as a state motor vehicle agency or passport acceptance facility.

To find your local Social Security office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now operate by appointment only, so call ahead or check the website before you go. If you mail your process, send it to the address shown on Form SS-5 and keep a copy for your records. If you use a third-party agency, ask whether they charge a fee for the service.

Submitting in person is often the fastest route because the SSA can review your documents on the spot and tell you when ready if anything is missing. If you mail the form and documents are incomplete, the SSA will send them back, which adds weeks to the process.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the SSA receives your complete process, they review your documents and update their records. You will not receive a phone call or email confirming receipt — the SSA processes applications in the order they arrive. If your documents are incomplete or unclear, the SSA will mail you a notice asking for more information.

When your name change is approved, the SSA prints a new Social Security card and mails it to the address you provided on the form. Standard mail delivery takes five to seven business days after the card is mailed. Your Social Security number does not change; only the name on the card and in the SSA database changes.

If you need to use your new name before the card arrives, you can contact your local Social Security office and ask for a letter confirming the name change. Some employers and financial institutions will accept this letter as proof while you wait for the physical card.

Name Changes Due to Marriage or Divorce

If you changed your name because of marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name because of divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree or court order. The document must show both your old name and your new name clearly.

Some states issue a separate name-change document as part of the divorce process; if yours does, bring that instead of or in addition to the divorce decree. If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another country, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

Name Changes Due to Court Order

If you obtained a legal name change through a court order (not marriage or divorce), bring the original or certified copy of the court order. The order must be from a court in the United States and must show the judge's signature and the court seal. If the order is from another country, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

Some states require you to publish a name-change notice in a newspaper as part of the legal process. The SSA does not require proof of publication, but you should bring the court order itself. If you have lost your copy of the court order, contact the court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued and request a certified copy.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied or Delayed

If the SSA denies your name-change request, they will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include documents that do not clearly show your new name, documents that are not certified or original, or identity documents that are expired beyond the five-year window. If this happens, gather the correct documents and resubmit Form SS-5.

If your process is taking longer than four weeks, contact your local Social Security office by phone or in person. Have your Social Security number and the date you submitted your process ready. The SSA can check the status of your case and tell you whether additional documents are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with other agencies after I change it on Social Security?

Yes. Changing your Social Security name does not automatically update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, or government agencies like the IRS or your state's motor vehicle department. You will need to contact each organization separately and provide proof of your name change. Your new Social Security card can serve as that proof.

Can I change my name online?

No. The SSA does not allow online name changes. You must submit Form SS-5 in person, by mail, or through an approved third-party agency. You cannot change your name by phone or email.

What if I lost my Social Security card and also want to change my name?

You can do both at the same time by submitting Form SS-5 with your name-change document and the other required documents. The SSA will issue a new card with your new name. You do not need to report the lost card separately.

How long does it take to receive my new Social Security card?

The SSA typically processes name changes within two to four weeks. Once approved, your new card is mailed to the address you provided and arrives within five to seven business days. If you need proof of the name change before the card arrives, ask your local Social Security office for a letter.

Will my Social Security number change if I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for life. Only the name associated with the number changes. You do not need a new number when you change your name.